Augmented Reality (AR) is revolutionizing how brands connect with customers. Unlike VR which creates fully digital environments, AR layers digital enhancements over the real world—accessible via smartphones and tablets, making it practical for everyday marketing.
At Boundev, we help brands implement AR marketing strategies that drive engagement and sales. This guide explores how leading companies are using AR and what it means for the future of customer experience.
AR Marketing Impact
The numbers driving AR adoption in marketing:
AR vs. VR: Understanding the Difference
Augmented Reality (AR)
Virtual Reality (VR)
Top Brands Using AR Marketing
These case studies show how leading brands are transforming customer experience with AR:
IKEA Place/Studio
Visualize furniture in 3D within your actual home. Customers see exact proportions and functionality before purchasing, reducing returns and increasing confidence.
Impact: Helps customers understand scale, color, and fit—solving the biggest uncertainty in furniture shopping.
Amazon Salon
Virtually experiment with hair colors and styles before committing. Customers can try bold changes without risk, increasing confidence in high-consideration purchases.
Impact: Reduces decision anxiety and increases purchase confidence for personal care services.
Gucci Sneaker Garage
Virtual try-ons for shoes plus digital-only sneakers for virtual worlds like Roblox. Bridges physical and digital commerce for younger audiences.
Impact: Engages Gen Z through gaming platforms while driving physical product awareness.
Snap Shack (Shake Shack)
Immersive pop-up food experience with AR mirrors for merchandise try-ons. Combines physical location with digital interactivity for memorable brand moments.
Impact: Creates shareable experiences that drive social media engagement and brand loyalty.
Sony (Jumanji: The Next Level)
Voice-activated AR experience with virtual maps and exclusive content. Turns movie promotion into an interactive adventure that extends the entertainment experience.
Impact: Deepens fan engagement and creates buzz beyond traditional advertising.
AR in Social Media Marketing
With 63% of Instagram users forming meaningful brand connections through the platform, social AR is a powerful tool:
Enhanced Brand Experience
Personalized AR filters let users interact with your brand in fun, memorable ways that static ads cannot match.
Viral Content Creation
L'Oreal's "Brow Finder Filter" on TikTok went viral—AR creates shareable content that spreads organically.
Data-Driven Insights
AR interactions reveal user preferences and behaviors that inform product development and targeting.
The Future of AR Marketing
| Trend | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Personalization | Highly customized product visualizations based on user preferences | Now |
| AI/ML Integration | Intelligent, responsive AR that learns from user interactions | 2025 |
| Virtual Try-Ons Standard | Virtual try-ons and in-store navigation becoming retail norm | 2025-2026 |
| AR Glasses Era | Transition from smartphones to dedicated AR glasses | 2025-2027 |
| Greater Accessibility | Simplified interfaces and improved smartphone AR capabilities | Ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is AR used in marketing?
AR is used for interactive ads, social media filters, product try-ons (clothing, furniture, makeup), and immersive promotions. It layers digital content over the real world via smartphones, making brand experiences more engaging and memorable.
What is the best example of AR marketing?
IKEA Place is a primary example of utility-based AR marketing. It lets customers visualize furniture in 3D within their actual homes, seeing exact proportions and functionality before purchasing—solving the biggest uncertainty in furniture shopping.
How does AR increase sales?
AR increases sales by fostering engagement, building brand loyalty, and providing deeper product understanding that leads to trust. Virtual try-ons reduce purchase anxiety and returns, while interactive experiences create emotional connections with customers.
Do customers prefer AR ads?
Yes—74% of people are more likely to be interested in ads featuring AR than normal ads. The interactive, personalized nature of AR creates more memorable experiences that stand out from traditional advertising.
Does AR marketing require special hardware?
No. Unlike VR, AR marketing is accessible via standard smartphones and tablets. This makes it practical for everyday marketing to broad audiences, though dedicated AR glasses like Apple Vision Pro are emerging for deeper experiences.
How can social media AR go viral?
AR filters create shareable, user-generated content. L'Oreal's "Brow Finder Filter" on TikTok went viral because it was fun, useful, and encouraged users to share results. Design for sharing, not just viewing.
Ready to Transform Customer Experience with AR?
Boundev helps brands implement AR marketing strategies that drive engagement, loyalty, and sales through immersive experiences.
Start AR Marketing